Dragonfly and Scallion. Purpose of small blade?

S

Sewage Worker

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Oct 6, 2007
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I've been lurking here for a little while. I have a question. I am thinking about getting something like a Spyderco Dragonfly or a Kershaw Scallion. I have carried a swiss army knife for many years now. My question is really what is the purpose of such a small knife like the two I mentioned? The blades are shorter than the blades on my swiss army knife. I realize that they have locks but other than that why would I want a smaller blade? I just want to make sure I'm not missing something here. Maybe I just really like how the dragonfly looks. I am leaning towards the dragonfly. Is it too slippery with a stainless handle? Should I try the FRN? Thanks.
 
Opening mail or packages is about all my small folders get used for. When I do wnt a small folder to carry though I like the Scallion the best.
 
In my humble opinion the Dragonfly is the best small knife on the market today. The ergos are outstanding for knife that size.

To compare a Dragonfly against a SAK is difficult. The knife may have a shorter blade but in many aspects it is a much bigger knife than the standard SAK. The blade is thicker and wider and the construction is much stronger. It also offers one-hand opening and pocket clip. It also has a better steel. It is all in all a completely different approach to pocket knives. It is a essentially a full-sized modern knife scaled down to offer in case of the Dragonfly a very balanced combination of minimal size and weight and a maximum of cutting power.

Bladelength can be very deceptive. If you look at the specs of a Lil'T (another little big knife, but a good step up, sizewise) it looks like a small folder on paper. When you hold it in your hand, there is nothing small about it anymore. The Dragonfly is similar. It may look like a very small knife on paper, but when you hold it in your hand it performs like a knife one size larger than you would expect from the specs.
 
While I carry a multitool or SAK on my belt, I also carry a Spyderco Lava (link) in the little watch pocket of my jeans. Why? Because I like to quickly deploy the blade, and I can reach in there and open up the Lava quickly with one hand. I'm only saving 5 seconds maybe as compared to opening a SAK, but when you are constantly reaching for a blade it is just nice to make it quick and easy. Plus, while the Lava is smallish, it is still hefty enough to cut like a real knife.
 
HoB said:
In my humble opinion the Dragonfly is the best small knife on the market today. The ergos are outstanding for knife that size.
Click to expand...

I couldn't have said it better. I have carried a Dragonfly as my main EDC while at work and have never felt the need for something either bigger or smaller. The flat grind blade just sails thru cardboard, I have used it to cut bands on pallets of boxes, open mail and all sorts of other stuff. Yet, it is not so big that people are freaked out when they see it.

Bruceter
 
I feel I have better control with a smaller blade. If I have a SAK with big and little blades I will use the little blade for stubborn cutting on items such as blister packs and clamshells. Think about cutting your dinner with a machete vs. a steak knife. Bigger isn't always better.
 
Just think about the success of the Fallkniven U2.
A small blade(sharp)that will see you through most of everyday chores that we all come across.
I "love" the Spyderco Caly Jnr,for the same reason.
 
Wow thank you for the information. That does make sense. I think I may opt for an etched stainless one. That sure is a good looking knife.

Thank you.
 
Having a locking mechanism on a smaller folder is a plus. If it is the only knife you have on your person, you may need it one day to perform an abusive task. One never knows. A small SAK is useful as I carry one on my keychain on a daily basis. But it just isn' t as easy to work the various blades/ tools in such a compact tool. It is regulated to specific tasks. Its pen blade is hardly used.

I carried an FRN Dragonfly on and off for a few years because it is light, functional and relatively inexpensive for a quality folder. I have found that the hole opener is easy to use. And allows for non snag/ non bulky low profile carry. It lays almost flat in any pocket.

I have since switched to a BladeTech Mouse Lite. With decent 440C and nicely textured molded FRN handles, it is not much heavier than the FRN Dragonfly, provides a broader blade with a bit more belly. And has a stronger pocket clip. A minimal sized kydex sheath accompanys this folder in the locked open position for neck wear or deep pocket carry. Or you can remove the Mouse from its sheath and carry it folded in the pocket- multiple mode carrys with minimal hassle. :)

I have also found that smaller folders are helpful for the young or uninitiated to experience the joys of working/ using knives.

Finally, dreaded local/ state laws= specific blade lengths. :(

N.

www.dozierknives.com/forum
 
I was late to the show when it came to the Dragonfly as I thought it was too small to be practical. Man, was I wrong. This little knife has been my EDC for about the last two years. It is the FRN model but I have now acquired an etched stainless Dragonfly. I do like the fact the etched DFLY is VG10 steel as it is better than AUS8 but I heard VG10 will be changed on the FRN model, too. I like the IWB carry method and I don't even know the Dragonfly is there. I cannot say too many nice things about this knife. This knife will do about anything I need and it fits my big hand great. I never would have thought a knife this small could be so useful. MR. Sal Glesser of Spyderco deserves the credit for this most excellent design. I would like to see a metal clip on the FRN model and while I am wishing maybe G10 handle.
RKH
 
I had a dragonfly years ago, decent knife, but there are a few things I didn't like about it and don't know if it changed in the past few years.

1) Handle is too small.
2) Pocket clips isn't as secure as the newer clips.
 
I carry a Ladybug at work because regulations limit knives to a 2" blade and 4.5" opened. The only slip joint I have that meets those requirements is my Vic Classic. And I have always had trouble manipulating the blade on that knife. The Ladybug is one of the few knives I have found that have good fit and finish, good steel, and dimensions that meet the regulations.
 
I got a DragonFly stainless about 7 years ago fow being in a wedding. Its ergonomics are great. What sets this knife apart from most other smaller knives is the flat grind. It gets really sharp and holds an edge fairly well. It doubles as a moneyclip.
 
I've been EDCing a Spyderco Co-Pilot for about 17 years, and its opened a lot of packages in that that time! As well as doing just about everything else you'd need from an EDC.
 
Sewage Worker said:
I've been lurking here for a little while. I have a question. I am thinking about getting something like a Spyderco Dragonfly or a Kershaw Scallion. I have carried a swiss army knife for many years now. My question is really what is the purpose of such a small knife like the two I mentioned? The blades are shorter than the blades on my swiss army knife. I realize that they have locks but other than that why would I want a smaller blade? I just want to make sure I'm not missing something here. Maybe I just really like how the dragonfly looks. I am leaning towards the dragonfly. Is it too slippery with a stainless handle? Should I try the FRN? Thanks.
Click to expand...

the purpose is to milk money from you!

Anyone with a brain knows that you need at LEAST a 6" blade to open letter, trim strings from your sweater, open the dreaded clamshell package, and all of the other hard core high speed things we all use our knives for every day! :)
 
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